The pretence is over: FG and Labour approach election with daggers drawn

The pretence is over: FG and Labour approach election with daggers drawn

Independent.ie

It's time to end the pretence. As the Coalition parties tick the final boxes in their election preparations, the real, untold story of the campaign will be apparent. Behind the forced facade of a joint mandate to continue in office, Fine Gael and Labour are in cut-throat competition in 28 of 40 constituencies.

It's time to end the pretence. As the Coalition parties tick the final boxes in their election preparations, the real, untold story of the campaign will be apparent. Behind the forced facade of a joint mandate to continue in office, Fine Gael and Labour are in cut-throat competition in 28 of 40 constituencies.

Divisions run deep. Pro-Government support pledges will dissolve as the constituency competitors go at it. Simply put, it will be a scramble for survival as each TD seeks to salvage their own precious seat.

Let's start with the mission impossibles. In 2011, Fine Gael and Labour won all seats in Dublin South East, Dublin Mid-West and Meath East. But 100pc government representation is simply unsustainable.

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